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Southern Ulster Times, Wednesday, November 15, 2017
‘Stuff the Bus’ Drive kicks off in Highland
By MARK REYNOLDS
[email protected]
Last Saturday the 1st annual ‘Stuff the
Bus’ food drive for the student backpack
program kicked off at the Bridgeview
Plaza in Highland. Non-perishable items
were collected: cereals, granola bars,
macaroni and cheese, pudding cups,
ramen noodles, peanut butter and jelly,
tuna, graham crackers, pretzels and juice
boxes.
Deb Monahan, of the Highland Support
Association, said the program has been
going on for five years but this was the
first time donated items were collected
at the Bridgeview Plaza. Many local
businesses also support the program.
Barbara Phillips, who is a Teacher’s
Aide in Highland, hands out the
backpacks on Friday in all three of the
Highland schools.
Phillips said between 40 to 45 backpacks
are distributed every week in the schools.
“We found the rise of children that are
in difficult times with their families where
children were putting in their pockets
ketchup packets to have something to
eat.” She said every child in a needy
family gets a backpack. They also have
found the number of children in the free
Deb Monahan (L) and Barbara Phillips were at the Bridgeview Plaza last Saturday collecting
food donations for the Highland School backpack program.
school lunch program has been rising
and is perhaps the only hot meal the child
receives during the day.
Phillips said families living in poverty
is not only affecting Highland but the
entire Mid Hudson region. She said
Dennis D’Esposito began the program in
Highland.
“He is the one who gets volunteers
and he stuffs the backpacks on Thursday
nights and then they’re delivered on
Friday,” she said. “Our children are really
in need. You don’t realize it until you
actually see these children. Its difficult
for families, especially around this time
of year.”
D’Esposito runs the backpack program
out of the Highland Methodist Church
with the full support of Rev. Arlene
Dauber.
“She welcomed us with open arms and
provided us with a great space,” he said.
D’Esposito thanked the Highland
Interact Club and the local Boy Scouts
who help with fundraising efforts and
filling the backpacks. Soon 12 winter
coats will be provided by the Knights of
Columbus of Highland.
D’Esposito said they will have a
Facebook page entitled “Feeding the
Flock” that will provide more information
about the programs they offer.
Monahan said people can donate non-
perishable food items at any of the three
schools.
“We decided that we really wanted to go
forward with this to help the community;
we’re trying to give back,” she said.
D’Esposito said to further support the
program, checks or money orders made
out to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
can be sent to 195 Hudson St., Cornwall,
NY 12520. Indicate that this should be
placed into their account - 2531A, which
will allow D’Esposito to purchase food
right from them. For more information
D’Esposito can be reached at 430-3319.
Plattekill honors Veterans with a ceremony in the park
memorial to recognize their service to the
country.
“These are the men and women who
have served in our Armed Forces both in
peace and during wartime to keep us safe
so we can preserve life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness for our country,” he
said.
Lt. Col. Smith recently attended a
Marine Corps Ball Ceremony, saying
By MARK REYNOLDS
[email protected] m
Members of the Plattekill town
government, clergy, military personnel
and residents came to the town’s Veterans
Memorial Park to honor and remember
the sacrifices of those who have served
and are serving in the Armed Forces of
the United States.
Kim Rosenmier opened the ceremony
by singing the ‘Star Spangled Banner,
followed with an Invocation from Pastor
Phil Johnson. He paid tribute to all
Veterans for their service, contributions
and for their dedication.
“Gracious Father we thank you for
this special Veterans Day. We thank
you God for those who have gone the
extra mile, those who have dedicated
their lives, those that have fought for our
freedom. We thank you for what this day
represents and pray for the families and
we pray, Oh God, that you will bless our
nation. Let the contributions that have
been sacrificed not go unheeded but bless
every family, we pray in Jesus’ name.”
An unidentified trumpeter played “Taps.”
Three wreaths were placed before the
memorial obelisk, as a moment of silence
was observed. Life Scout Dustin Colombo,
of Troop 195, rang the memorial bell
twice, followed by the playing of ‘Taps’.
Lt Col. Stuart C. Smith Jr., of the
USMC called up all Veterans to the
“what struck me the most was the level of
teamwork, motivation, sense of belonging
and camaraderie for such a worthwhile
common cause, such as defending this
great nation.”
Lt. Col Smith praised the newest
generation to have joined the Armed
Forces.
Continued on page 37